Charlotte's Tip of the Month

Brainstorming (A Most Important Storm)

We stare at the computer screen or blank page, and we do not know how to start or what to say.  Perhaps we sigh and want to do anything other than stare at a blank notebook page or empty computer screen. This problem is so common it has a name:…

Risky (Precarious? Hazardous? Perilous?) Synonyms

Some words are synonyms, they are similar in meaning, but there is enough of a difference to make the synonym simply not fit a particular context or express the same ideas. If the word does not fit the context, then not only is your meaning unclear, but a reader can…

Apostrophes and Contractions

We have discussed the primary use of apostrophes, which is to show possession or ownership as in, “The girl’s pet dog is cute” or “That man’s car is green.” Know this: apostrophes are NOT (never ever ever!) used for plurals or verb endings.         She swim’s so fast. (Sorry, but…